Published Last application day 2026-04-02
Dean and Managing Director at JIBS and Vice President at Jönköping University
Step into a defining leadership role at Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) and shape the future of one of Europe’s top ranked business schools. As Managing Director and Dean at JIBS, and Vice President of Jönköping University, you will combine academic leadership with strategic influence at university level. You will strengthen JIBS’ international position, advance high quality research and education, and expand partnerships across academia, business and society. This is a unique opportunity to lead a triple accredited institution with strong rankings, global networks and a clear vision built on People First.
Purpose, Offer and Benefits
About Jönköping University
Jönköping University is a foundation university organized as a group. Operations are conducted through the Jönköping University Foundation and six wholly owned subsidiaries: the School of Health and Welfare, the School of Education and Communication, Jönköping International Business School, the School of Engineering, University Services, and Jönköping University Enterprise. Collectively, they deliver education, conduct research, and provide support services within a comprehensive and internationally oriented academic environment.
About Jönköping International Business School (JIBS)
Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) offers an international and team-oriented workplace with competitive educational program at the bachelor´s, master´s, and doctoral levels, alongside a thriving research environment and strong opportunities for professional development. Our mission is to advance the theory and practice of business, with a specific focus on entrepreneurship, ownership, and renewal. Our guiding principles are: international at heart, entrepreneurial in mind, and responsible in action.
In the latest Financial Times European Business School ranking, JIBS was ranked among the top 100. JIBS is also internationally recognized for research in its focus areas. The quality of our education, research, and operations is verified by three international accreditations, granted by EQUIS, AACSB and AMBA. We operate as a limited company owned by the Jönköping University Foundation. At JIBS, there are 2,000 students studying at bachelor’s and master’s levels, 50 PhD students, as well as 120 faculty and staff.
Highlighted Benefits
Your Responsibilities
The Vice President appointment
In addition to your role as Managing Director and Dean at JIBS, you will be appointed Vice President at Jönköping University and given overall responsibility for strategic issues in one of the areas of research, education, internationalization, collaboration, or sustainability and work environment. This will be done in close collaboration with the other Vice Presidents and the President.
The leadership assignment
In this role, you will lead Jönköping International Business School into the future based on Jönköping University’s vision of “People First”, strengthening the school’s position nationally and internationally.
You will further develop the sustainable educational and research environment and contribute to JIBS´ strong reputation – both within academia and in business and society. You will provide overall academic leadership and, with a trust-based leadership style, lead the school’s activities across teaching, research, financing, and knowledge transfer.
You will also build and maintain relationships with external stakeholders in an extensive network of partners and financiers in both national and international contexts. In addition, you will have overall responsibility for administrative governance, faculty recruitment, and the school´s working environment – an important focus area linked to our vision.
As Managing Director and Dean at JIBS, you will be responsible for the school´s operations, finances, and results, reporting to the President of Jönköping University. As a member of the Jönköping University Management Council, you will contribute to the management and development of Jönköping University as a whole.
The Bigger Picture
You will join a university with a strong international orientation and high institutional autonomy. The role includes travelling.
The appointment is a four year term as Managing Director and academic leader, with the possibility of extension. A combination with another position at the university may be considered.
Applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible and no later than 2 April 2026.
Our Expectations
To succeed in this role, you must be a senior academic with an international profile in a field relevant to JIBS who meets JIBS´s criteria for professors. The full criteria are available here.
You need to have experience working as a dean, head of department or an equivalent position that corresponds to the experience of the duties described above.
You should have a good understanding of academia, as well as documented experience of research, education, and external collaboration with various stakeholders. This is a prerequisite for developing strategies in the field.
The role requires experience with national and international challenges and opportunities for higher education and research in business schools, such as attracting funding as well as creating and maintaining networks with business partners and stakeholders. Knowledge of EU funding strategies is required, as well as knowledge of Swedish legislation relevant to the role.
You should have documented successful experience of strategic leadership characterized by a trust-based approach, including inclusion and transparency. You need to have good communication skills, be a good listener and have the ability to make decisions.
You should be able to serve as a source of inspiration and act as an ambassador for JIBS and Jönköping University.
You should have excellent communication skills in both spoken and written English. You need to have sufficient language skills to work as an academic leader in a Swedish context.
For further information, please contact:
Måns Svensson, The President, +4636-101000
Marie Eriksson, The HR Director, +4636-101257
Timur Uman, Professor in Business Administration and Chair of JU Education and Research Education Board, +4636-101457
Union representatives:
Thomas Axelsson, ST, +4636-101076
Andrea Schneider, Saco-s, +46365502880
Jönköping University has 12,000 students, of whom 1,850 are international students, 850 teachers and employees, and collaborates with 350 international partner universities and 800 host companies.
For more information, visit www.ju.se
Distance to your future workplace
Gjuterigatan 5, Jönköping. Open Google Maps to calculate distance and travel time to your future work location.
Career advice from your Recruiter Rebecca Åkerblom
The reasons why I think you should apply for this job:
Contact me if you have any questions about this career opportunity! Rebecca Åkerblom
